by Sifu Tyson Derr

Within the Spectrum of Boxing that is Bagua,

there is a most formidable weapon developed
by the first generation practitioners.
Known as the Ox Tongue palm (Niu-she
Zhang), this anatomical weapon was the spe-
cialty of Bagua Master Yin Fu and it galvanized
his fighting reputation and the prowess of the
Bagua system.

This deceptively simple palm method is easy to

over look at first glance, however when skill-
fully applied it affords the Bagua practitioner
with a fortified method of offense that is direct
and nearly unstoppable.

The Ox Tongue palm derives it’s name from the

shape of the hand and direct path of deploy-
ment in combat. The Ox Tongue palm in many
ways is applied in linear stark contrast to the
circular nature of Bagua Chang.

The
Striking is the Ox Tongue palm is the most

The
fundamental way of developing power in Yin
Style Baguazhang. It is introduced through the
stationary drilling method, unaccompanied by
footwork. It is intended to establish the harmo-
ny between hand and waist that is necessary
for generating power.

The Ox Tongue palm moving strike practices

consist of:
• One-step drilling method, of which there is
the zig-zag stepping or dominating the side,
straight stepping, or dominating the center, and
closing or turning the back method.
• Two-step, or square drilling, which consists
of advance-back-step, advance-advance, or
back-step-advance, and back-step back-step.
• Three-step, or horizontal drilling method,
which combines the stationary strike, advance
step, and back-step.